1992-01-10 Budget Work Session
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, JANUARY 10, 1992
PAGE 768
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ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Budget
Work Session on Friday, January 10, 1992, at 12:00 noon in Room 501
of the County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
Fred Retchin; William H. Sutton; Vice-Chairman Robert G. Greer;
Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County
Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell.
Chairman Mathews called the meeting to order.
RECEIPT OF R. W. BECK REPORT - WASTE-TO-ENERGY FACILITY
Chairman Mathews announced that the R. W. Beck Report has been
received with copies of the report mailed to members of the Waste-
to-Energy Advisory Committee as of this date. In order for all
persons to receive the report at the same time, the report will be
distributed to the Commissioners after the Budget Work Session.
Chairman Mathews recommended allowing ample time for the
members of the Waste-to-Energy Advisory Committee to review the
report and forward comments to the Board of County Commissioners
before discussing this item.
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AUTHORIZATION FOR NEW HANOVER COUNTY TO PARTICIPATE IN A DRUG
PREVENTION PROGRAM WITH THE CITY OF DURHAM AND DURHAM COUNTY
County Manager O'Neal reported on a meeting attended by he and
Commissioner Barfield with City and County officials of Durham.
The City of Durham and Durham County are 99% sure of receiving
federal funds to perform a 5-year survey on the causes of drug
abuse and prevention efforts. In order to receive funds, a similar
county must be identified and express its willingness to
participate in the survey. New Hanover County has been selected as
the comparable County; therefore, the Commissioners are requested
to authorize the Chairman to write a letter indicating the County's
interest.
Commissioner Barfield stated the meeting was most informative
and recommended County participation in the survey.
Motion: Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Barfield to participate in the program and authorize the Chairman ~
to write a letter. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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PROGRESS REPORT ON DOWNSIZING
Director of Human Resources, Andre' Mallette, stated as of
January 8, 1992, forty-nine positions (49) have been targeted for
elimination with a total savings of $986,406. Of the thirty-four
(34) county departments, positions or portions of positions have
been eliminated in thirteen (13) departments. Other departments
have until February 3, 1992, to submit their proposals for
downsizing. He stated the figure of $986,406 should be reduced by
approximately $135,000 since positions at the Waste-to-Energy
Facility, in the amount of $35,000, are included in this figure,
but are not in the general fund; and an additional $100,000 of
revenue will be received from the State for operation of the
Juvenile Services Center 'until July 1, 1992, reducing the total
cost savings to approximately $830,000.
commissioner Barfield commented on the downsizing plan and
cautioned against promoting employees into higher ranges when
implementing the downsizing process.
Commissioner Sutton stated remarks have been made to him that
downsizing is occurring at the lower salary range with no positions
being eliminated from the administrative or upper salary range. He
cautioned having to many administrative or upper management
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, .JANUARY 10, 1992
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employees without enough medium or lower level employees to
properly render County services.
Director Mallette stated the positions eliminated to date are
vacant positions that have not been filled. It has not been
necessary to eliminate filled positions at this point. Under the
current downsizing plan, when a position becomes vacant, a request
to fill the vacancy is submitted by the Department Head to the
Management Team. The Management Team then analyzes the position
and decides whether to refill or eliminate the position. If the
position is eliminated, the department is requested to restructure
its organization to adequately handle the workload and provide the
necessary services.
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Discussion of Retirement Incentive Package
A Retirement Incentive Package was created with 15 employees
eligible to accept the package as part of the downsizing plan. To
date, it appears that 14 of the 15 eligible employees will accept
the package. The cost for the Retirement Incentive Package will
equal a pay-out of $233,741 with an annual supplement of $26,583
for insurance premiums should all fifteen employees choose to
accept the plan.
County Manager O'Neal expressed satisfaction with the
downsizing plan which began in October 1991 and to date has
eliminated 49 positions without having to layoff employees. He
emphasized the importance of continuing the stringent review
process of filling vacant positions in order to avoid being in the
same situation two or three years later.
commissioner Barfield commented on the delivery of services
with the reduced workforce and stated Staff should carefully
monitor the quality of services being rendered versus the number of
employees stating in some instances, the positions may be needed.
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Discussion of Entitlement Programs
County Manager O'Neal commented on mandated programs over
which the County has no control and reported while attending a
recent seminar, officials were advised to be prepared for a 20%
increase in Medicaid and 15% increase in the AFDC program. He
requested the Budget Director to further comment on costs involved.
Budget Director, Cam McAbee, presented following figures:
MEDICAID
Estimated County Cost - FY 1991-92
$1,927,192
The County cost of Medicaid increased 15.6% or $259,914
between FY 1990-91 and FY 1991-92. If the County cost of
Medicaid increases 20% between FY 1991-92 and FY 1992-93, the
FY 1992-93 amount would be $2,312,630 representing an increase
of $385,438.
AFDC
County Cost of AFDC in FY 1991-92
$1,129,043
The County cost of AFDC increased 3.3% or $36,275 between FY
1990-91 and FY 1991-92. If the County cost of AFDC would
increase 15% between FY 1991-92 and FY 1992-93, the FY 1992-93
amount would be $1,298,399 representing an increase of
$169,356.
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commissioner Barfield expressed concern for the eligibility
criteria used in determining whether a client receives public
assistance. He cited an example of abuse at the Department of
Social Services by an individual from New York State, who was able
to obtain assistance, and stated these types of abuse should not
occur.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, JANUARY 10, 1992
PAGE 770
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County Manager O'Neal commented on the Work Session scheduled
with the Department of Social Services on January 21, 1992, and
recommended discussing this incidence with the Director.
Commissioner Barfield commented 'the success of the Work
Program in Florida" which is State funded, and explained that this
program requires clients to work in order to receive assistance.
In North Carolina, the State recei ves funds from the federal
government; therefore, the State must comply to federal
regulations. He, again, reiterated the importance of providing
regulations that will assist clients to work out of the system
through jobs with the necessary Medicaid benefits, day care, and
other programs provided until that recipient can become self-
sufficient.
A lengthy discussion was held on where to begin to correct the
public assistance program on the federal and state level. County
Manager O'Neal recommended utilizing the services of the North
Carolina Association of County Commissioners and the National
Association of Counties to promote a change in federal regulations
governing public assistance.
commissioner Sutton recommended preparing a resolution
requesting steps to be taken to curb abuse of the system with this
resolution being forwarded to the U. S. Congress.
Vice-Chairman Greer stated the system must be changed because
local governments cannot continue to fund 17.3% lncreases year
after year. County Manager O'Neal stated the County's contribution
to DSS programs has increased from $3,732,000 in FY 1986-87 to an
estimated $7,300,000 in FY 1991-92.
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Motion: After further discussion, Commissioner Retchin MOVED,
SECONDED by Commissioner Sutton to direct the County Manager to
prepare a resolution expressing concern for abuse of the welfare
system and authorize the Chairman to execute the document. The
resolution is to be forward to the N. C. Association of County
Commissioners, National Association of Counties, N. C.
Congressional Delegation and Jack Kemp. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of
the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XIX, Page 26.
Shifts of Programs and Legislative Actions that Impact on the
County Government
Health Department
County Manager O'Neal presented the
programs, services and/or requirements that
local health departments with little or no
January 1, 1986:
following list of
have been added to
State funding .since
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1. HIV/AIDS Programs & Regulations.
2. Environmental Health Management Entity Program.
3. Child day care inspections increased by the State.
4. State requirement for local health departments to assist
with collection of annual fees from restaurants.
5. Dangerous dog law.
6. New Immunization requirements.
7. Monitoring of tuberculosis cases.
8. Kindergarten health assessments.
9. Investigate penicillin resistant Gonorrhea cases.
Courts Related Activities:
Deputy County Manager Gornto commented on counties being
required to provide facilities for the courts as well as court-
related personnel and presented the following list of
responsibilities imposed by the State:
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, JANUARY 10, 1992
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1. One additional Superior Court Judge and one new District
Court Judge in FY 1991.
2. One new Assistant District Attorney in FY 1991.
3. One new Deputy Clerk position in the Clerk of Courts'
Office in FY 1991 and another new Deputy Clerk position
anticipated in FY 1992.
4. Two additional positions in the Juvenile Court Counselor's
Office in FY 1992 with a psychologist anticipated in FY
1992.
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5. six new positions in Adult Probation in FY 1991.
6. Two new positions in the Guardian Ad Litem Program in FY
1990.
7. One new Magistrate in FY 1991.
The addition of these new positions required the County to
lease new or additional office space. The space requirements for
Adult Probation necessitated the leasing of approximately 4,500
square feet at an annual cost of $36,000. The additional Guardian
Ad Litem personnel required expansion of office space at an
additional cost of $3,480, and in many instances County crews
remodeled existing space to accommodate the court related
acti vi ties. Al though court costs have been increased by the
General Assembly during this period, the increases have been
applied to Court employees' salaries and other State costs, without
an increase in the facilities fee paid to counties. Further
discussion was held on court-related costs continuing to increase,
and the need for the State to raise the facilities fee.
'commissioner Sutton recommended a review of space being
currently used in the Courthouse and stated possibly this space
could be better utilized. He also recommended a review of existing
space in the Library.
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Deputy County Manager Gornto commented on the Courthouse not
being a desirable facility for office space and stated when the
Courthouse was renovated, a decision was made not to convert this
building back into small offices, but to preserve it as a
historical structure.
BREAK
Chairman Mathews called for a break from 1:48 P.M. until 2:05
P.M.
DISCUSSION OF STATE BUDGET AND LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES THAT IMPACT
UPON THE COUNTY'S BUDGET
Budget Director, Cam McAbee, presented the following items
that impact on the County's budget:
1991 State Legislative Activities
1. The General Assembly elected to maintain local government
reimbursements and state-shared taxes at the 1990-91 level.
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2. Funding of federal match requirements for Clean, Water
Revolving Loan & Grant Fund from the counties' beer and wine
tax, and the cities' utility franchise tax.
3. Fund the Local Government Commission from Intangibles Tax.
4. State agencies are to request refunds of local sales taxes
paid on state purchases.
5. Double the Deed Stamp Tax to $2 per $1,000 on real estate
transfers with increase proceeds going to the State's general
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, JANUARY 10', 1992
PAGE 772
fund. Counties will collect the tax and may retain a portion
to offset the cost of collection.
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Expenditure Reductions:
1. Complete phase out of state appropriations for school
energy costs, reduction in state-funded positions, reduce text
book allotments, and reduce school transportation costs.
2. Less significant reductions in funding to Community
Colleges.
3. Counties' share of Medicaid and AFT payments increased
October 1, 1991.
Non-Supplanting:
1. When additional funding was approved for DSS protective
services, a non-supplanting clause was included so state funds
could not supplant any local or federal funds previously
budgeted for child protective services.
2. Local Health Departments are
County appropriations for maternal
or health promotions services
appropriations for these programs.
not permitted to reduce
and child health services
as a result of state
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Discussion was held on collecting the Deed stamp Tax and
reimbursement for administering the collection of the tax. Finance
Director Atkinson stated no guidelines were presented for
establishing the collection fee; therefore, the County is charging
a 15% maximum collection fee until the state presents specific
instructions. The fee presently covers the County's cost for
collection of the tax.
DISCUSSION OF FUNDING REQUEST FOR SCHOOLS
County Manager O'Neal stated the General statutes require that
school budgets be presented to local governments by May 15 of each
year; however, after discussion with Superintendent NcNeel, the
school budget will be presented by April 15. He commented on an
anticipated increase in this year's funding request and stated this
issue will have to be addressed.
Commissioner sutton expressed concern for the amount of funds
received by the schools with funding of $3,500 per student, out
which New Hanover County funds $900 per student, and stated he is
puzzled as to why the schools cannot operate on this amount of
money.
commissioner Barfield commented on past and present funding
allocations for the schools and expressed concern for increased
budget requests each year. He stated New Hanover County is facing
its most difficult budget year, and if the schools are in such dire
need, they should cut back on administration and use these funds
for educational needs.
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After discussion of the continuing increase of funding
allocations to schools, Staff was directed to request the school
administration to present a more detailed explanation of school
expenditures when submitting the 1992-93 budget in order to better
understand where funds are being expended.
DISCUSSION OF FUNDING REQUEST FOR CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
County Manager O'Neal stated Cape Fear Community College will
present its budget request by April 15, 1992. The current funding
allocation is $953,000.
DISCUSSION OF MEDICAL INSURANCE
Finance Director Atkinson stated only one quarter.ly report has
been received; therefore, he cannot project whether the medical
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, JANUARY 10, 1992
PAGE 773
insurance premium will increase.
County Manager O'Neal stated an option to consider is
restructuring of the deductible; however, this decision will be
made when figures become available.
COMPARISON OF DEBT SERVICE
Budget Director, Cam McAbee, presented a detailed report on
Debt Service and Debt Service on Installment Debt. Also, graphs of
New Hanover County real property, property values from 1983-1990,
Room Occupancy Tax Fund Revenues, Special Fire District Revenues,
Requested Capital projects, and capital projects in Progress were
presented.
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Discussion of 911 surcharge
Discussion was held on the 911 Surcharge. Commissioner
Barfield inquired as to when the surcharge will be removed and
recommended eliminating this charge after purchase of the necessary
equipment. Vice-Chairman Greer concurred with this recommendation.
Deputy County Manager Gornto stated all telephone subscribers
countywide are paying the surcharge; however, by having the ability
to pay some of the present 911 costs out of the new charge, it
reduces the need to increase the tax rate.
County Manager O'Neal stated if Staff finds that the 911
Center equipment can be maintained and operated on less than $.50,
then the surcharge can be reduced; however, he would not recommend
eliminating the surcharge in the future.
DISCUSSION OF INCREASE COSTS FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF NEW
FACILITIES
County Manager O'Neal commented on the opening of the newly
expanded Museum, Senior Center, and Myrtle Grove Branch Library
stating additional personnel and operating costs will be incurred.
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commissioner Sutton commented on fees collected at the
entrance to the Museum and expressed concern for these funds being
divided between the Museum Foundation and New Hanover County. He
requested Staff to consider placing fees collected directly into
the general fund with disbursements made based upon needs.
DISCUSSION OF PENDING ITEMS
County Manager O'Neal commented on the following items:
1. Court Rulinq on the Oqden-New Hanover Rescue Squad: If the
court renders a decision that EMS County employees will have to be
paid overtime for volunteering their hours of service to the rescue
squad, additional funds may have to be allocated for the provision
of paramedic services.
2. Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider Number: Director Atkinson
stated BCBS is still reviewing the request for a provider number.
After further discussion, commissioner Sutton volunteered to work
on this request.
3. Burn pit - New Hanover International Airport: To date the
County, U. S. Corps of Engineers, City of Wilmington, and Cape Fear
community College have expended $450,000. The Environmental
Protection Agency is in the monitoring process; therefore, no firm
figures have been established for cleaning up the site.
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4. U. S. Geoloqical Survey Ground Water Study: The County is
in the process of applying for the grant, and if awarded, a County
funding match will be required.
DISCUSSION OF DECREASE IN THE GROWTH OF THE TAX BASE
Budget Director, earn McAbee, commented on a decrease in the
growth of the tax base and stated if expenditures continue to grow
for the provision of services and programs, and the tax base
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, JANUARY 10, 1992
PAGE 774
decreases, this could become a problem. Charts were presented
comparing expenditure growth versus the growth of the tax base.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ANIMAL CONTROL CENTER
Deputy County Manager Gornto commented on the proposed $2.5
million Animal Control Facility and stated after further review,
the Animal Control Board feels the facility can be constructed for
$1.5 million dollars.
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Vice-Chairman Greer commented on the present facility being
inadequate and stated the Board of Health is in favor of budgeting
architecture fees in the 1992-93 Budget.
commissioner sutton asked if the
Department could construct the new facility?
stated the General statutes do not allow
capital projects that exceed $75,000.
Property Man9gement
County Att9rney Pope
counties t6 contract
After discussion of the cost of a new Animal Control Facility,
Commissioner sutton stated if the Board decides to move forward
with construction of a new facility, this project would be ideal
for review by a Building Committee to ensure the best price for the
jOb.
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Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to direct staff to
prepare a recommendation for establishment of a Building Committee
to review capital projects and direct staff to investigate the
"design build" method for the proposed Animal Control Facility.
Discussion was held on recent action by the Board of Health to
no longer accept animals from other counties. Commissioner Sutton
concurred with this action and stated it is most unfortunate that
surrounding counties do not pay for services rendered by County
agencies.
BREAK
Chairman Mathews called for a break from 3:25 P.M. until 3:40
P.M.
DISCUSSION OF MILITARY CUT-OFF BRANCH LIBRARY
County Manager O'Neal stated a group of residents from
Landfall have made an offer to raise funds to pay for design work,
architectural/engineering fees; and the first two years of interest
and debt payments for the construction of a branch library on
Military Cut-off Road. This offer has been made to encourage the
County to move forward with the construction project.
commissioner Barfield expressed concern for considering an
additional capital project when the County is in the process of
downsizing County government.
Commissioner Retchin commented on discussion with the County
M~nager for preparation of a 5-Year Capital Budget and recommended
deferring construction of a branch library on Military Cut-Off Road
until a schedule has been developed.
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commissioner sutton expressed concern for discouraging
residents who have made such a generous offer and recommended
responding in a posi ti ve manner. He also requested Staff to
consider using the same plan designed for the Myrtle Grove Branch
Library.
Consensus: After further discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to direct the County Manager to respond to Mr. Jim Wright
expressing appreciation for the generous offer by the residents of
Landfall and advising him that due to current budget constraints
for FY 1992-93, it is not appropriate to move forward with the
project; however, the Board is interested in pursuing this offer at
the beginning of the next fiscal year, either in July or August.
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PAGE 775
Discussion was held on expiration of the College Square Branch
Library lease and relocation of this branch. Vice-Chairman Greer
recommended relocating the College Square Branch Library to Plaza
East which would be less costly and a convenient location for the
citizens of this area. Staff was instructed to investigate this
matter.
DISCUSSION OF PARKS BOND REFERENDUM
Deputy County Manger Gornto stated the County has purchased
$900,000 of land for parks with additional sites being
investigated. Also, a request for proposals is being prepared for
development of th~ Ogden Park site.
FINANCIAL STATUS REPORT
Finance Director Atkinson presented the following Interim
Financial Status Report as of December 31, 1991:
Report: Actual expenditures at December 31 amounted to 41% when
compared to the budget. This appears to indicate slower spending
in the General Fund than in the past, which can be attributed to
downsizing. Vacant positions have not been filled as quickly and
some positions have been eliminated creating a salary lag. The
salary lag decreases the County's cost for retirement, Blue Cross
Blue Shield, dental insurance, and FICA. with these factors
considered, expenditures will help to cover shortfalls in revenue
due to the interest earning; therefore, the projected revenues and
expenditures (in thousands) at June 30, 1992 is as follows:
BUDGET
ACTUAL
Revenues
Expenditures
$83,163
83,163
$81,216
79,359
Revenues over expenditures
1,859
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The County's fund balance is predicted to increase by
approximately $2,000,000. with a budget of $83,000,000, the
unappropriated fund balance needs to be approximately $17,500,000.
If projections hold, the unappropriated fund balance will be
$10,400,000. The major hurtle to overcome in rebuilding the fund
balance is the money advanced to the Airport for the new terminal.
At June 30, 1992, the County has approximately $3,500,000
outstanding on this project; however, it appears that the FY 1992-
93 Budget will not require allocations from the fund balance.
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commissioner Sutton commented on EMS collections and inquired
as to the County's percentage of collections. Finance Director
Atkinson stated EMS is within budget and will be over the budgeted
figure for collections this year; however, the Paralegal has been
extremely busy with a number of different collection items and has
not been able to solely concentrate on EMS collections. The Legal
Department is now in the process of hiring a Clerk, which will
allow the Paralegal to focus on this item. Commissioner Sutton
emphasized the importance of improving the collections percentage
and recommended considering the possibility of hiring a collection
agency.
commissioner Sutton inquired as to whether a monthly budget
report can be prepared in order to know if the County's revenues
and expenditures are meeting the budgeted figures. Finance
Director Atkinson stated due to varying time schedules in debt
service, tax collection cycles and other items, it would be
difficult to prepare this type of statement; however, he will
further study and review this request.
DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATE SOURCES OF REVENUE
County Manager O'Neal presented the following alternate
sources of revenues which would require legislative action for
implementation:
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MiNUTES OF BUDGET WORK 'SESSION, JANUARY 10, 1992
PAGE 776
Estimated Revenue
Land Transfer Tax (1%)
$3,000,000
Prepared Food & Beverage Tax (1%)
$1,000,000
Increase in Room Occupancy Tax (3%)
$1,360,000
Assistant County Manager, Dave Weaver, presented a status
report on the Water & Sewer Advisory Committee which has been
studying revenue options for expansion of the Sewer System. He
stated Dr. Woody Hall, a professor at the UNC-W School of Business,
has volunteered to prepare a modeling effort to correlate revenue
generation with funds needed to expand the Sewer System to
different areas. The projected time for completion of the study
will be approximately five months. The model will research
combining various revenue sources, such as a land transfer tax at
1/4-1/2% (instead of 1% as previously discussed) coupled with an
increase in user fees. Also, the model will consider development
of an assessment fee. Along with revenue sources, the model will
list and compare options available for expanding the system such
as: (1) continuing the present process of build~ng in phases; or
(2) focusing on constructing trunk lines allowing'new development
to hook on to the trunk lines with these monies being used to serve
existing development.
Discussion was held on the prepared food and beverage tax.
Commissioner Retchin stated the restaurant industry would have
supported the tax contingent upon funds being utilized for tourism.
Discussion was held on the beach erosion fund. Commissioner
Sutton inquired as to the amount of money in this fund, and if this
fund is currently over funded? Finance Director Atkinson stated the
balance of the fund is $4.5 million; however, the question to be
answered is whether the federal government will continue to fund
beach renourishment. If the County was assured of continued
federal funding, the account would be over funded at the present
time; however, if federal funds were reduced or eliminated, the
funds would be needed for beach renourishment.
Discussion was held on a state lottery. Commissioner Retchin
stated the General Assembly will probably vote for a lottery and if
so, hopefully, a portion of these funds will be utilized to replace
state reimbursements now received.
Commissioner Barfield commented on funding sources discussed
and recommended placing these options on the ballot to allow the
citizens to decide what revenue sources would be acceptable.
Consensus: After discussion of State law governing the placement
of items on a ballot, the County Attorney was requested to research
this issue and forward a recommendation to the Board.
BREAK FOR DINNER
Chairman Mathews called for a dinner break from 5:00 P.M.
until 6:00 P.M.
PRESENTATION OF OPTIONS FOR BUDGET CUTS
County Manager O'Neal presented the following options for
budget cuts:
1. Increase salary lags in departments.
Consensus: After discussion of salary lags being conservative
budgeting, it was the consensus of the Board to direct Staff not to
use this option.
2. Recommend Southeastern Center contract Detoxification
Center.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, JANUARY 10, 1992
PAGE 777
Consensus: After discussion of the lack of funds to hire personnel
to operate the Detoxification Center, it was the consensus of the
Board for the Southeastern Center Board to pursue contracting with
New Hanover Regional Medical Center for operation of the.
Detoxification Center. Commissioner Barfield stated the
Southeastern Center Board will address this issue, and Commissioner
Sutton agreed to discuss this matter with the Hospital Board of
Trustees.
3. continue reviewing hours of facilities to determine if
cost savings can be achieved by alternate schedules.
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Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to direct Staff to
continue to review the hours of facilities and alternate schedules.
4. continue reviewing County operations to determine where
contracting for the service would be cost effective.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board for
Staff to continue to review where it would be cost effective to
contract for County services.
5. Eliminate County Fun Day at a cost of $12,500.
Discussion was held on presenting service awards at the County
Fun day. Deputy County Manager Gornto stated employees have
recommended the presentation of service awards by the Commissioners
at regularly scheduled meetings.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
continue to have County Fun Day with Staff directed to reduce the
cost as much as possible and also prepare a recommendation for
presentation of service awards by the County commissioners at
regular meetings.
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6. Eliminate military retirement benefit effective July
1, 1992.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
eliminate the military retirement benefit effective July 1, 1992.
7. Eliminate or contract the HOP Program.
Consensus: After discussion of early diagnosis of medical problems
being cost effective, it was the consensus of the Board to direct
the Human Resources Director to continue to work with the Corporate
Health Center for contracting this service.
8. Eliminate volunteer receptions funded by County dollars.
Consensus: After discussion of the money saved and valuable
services rendered by volunteers, it was the consensus of the Board
to continue funding of volunteer receptions.
9. Eliminate newsletters funded by County dollars except
for the County Connection.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
continue the County Connection as published and limit other
publications to twice a year.
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10. Eliminate "Keep America Beautiful" as a separate agency
funded by the general fund and incorporate the program
into the Environmental Management Department.
Consensus: After discussion of the need to consolidate these
agencies, it was the consensus of the Board to incorporate this
agency into the Environmental Management Department with the
present Advisory Board continuing to function.
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MiNUTES OF BUDGET WORK-SESSION, JANUARY 10, 1992
PAGE 778
11. Fund Forestry Service from the Fire Service District.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
direct commissioner Barfield to discuss this item with the Board of
Fire Commissioners before approving funding for the Forestry
Service from the Fire Service District.
12. Transfer operation of Juvenile Services Center to the
State.
Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to transfer the
operation of the Juvenile Services Center to the State.
13. Eliminate beach community funding in the amount of
$150,000.
Consensus: After discussion of funding requests and services
provided by the beaches, it was the consensus of the Board to
reduce funding to the beach communities by 20% over a period of
five years.
14. Request the Bar Association to make a contribution toward
the operating costs of the Law Library in the Judicial
Building.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
request the New Hanover County Bar Association to contribute to the
operation of the Law Library in the Judicial Building.
15. Prepare gift catalogue of specific items or capital pro-
jects to provide an opportunity for citizens to donate
to projects of their choice.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
publish a brochure for one year and then determine if this type of
publication is beneficial.
16. Park impact fees.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board not
to impose park impact fees.
17. Charge for table reservations at parks as long as
administrative costs do not exceed revenue.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
request the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board to prepare a
recommendation on charges for table reservations, if they are in
favor of the idea.
18. Charge non-county citizens for using County facilities.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
direct Staff to develop a policy establishing charges to non-county
citizens for use of County facilities.
19. Charge individuals that are using modem hookups to
access information from the Register of Deeds Office
and Tax Office if they would normally pay to receive
the information, or if there is increased cost to
the County for the manner in which the information
is obtained.
Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to direct Staff to
charge individuals for accessing information from the Register of
Deeds Office and Tax Office as recommended by the County Manager.
DISCUSSION OF NEW OUTSIDE AGENCY FUNDING REQUESTS
County Manager O'Neal requested direction from the Board on
responding to new outside agency funding requests.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, JANUARY 10, 1992
PAGE 77.9.
Consensus: After discussion of budget constraints, it was the
consensus of the Board not to accept funding requests from new
outside agencies.
DISCUSSION OF THE BUDGETARY PROCESS
County Manager O'Neal stated until departmental budget
requests have been received, it is not possible to ascertain if
additional positions or programs will have to be eliminated in
order to prepare the 1992-93 Budget without increasing the tax
rate. The Commissioners will be informed as the budgetary process
continues to develop, and additional meetings may have to be
scheduled.
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commissioner Retchin requested a schedule of budget hearings
for County Departments so the Commissioners can attend budget
hearings if they so desire.
commissioner sutton commented on funding for outside agencies
and recommended developing a policy that will require these
agencies to become self-sufficient. For example, the Public Radio
should raise funds through donations with no County funding.
Chairman Retchin stated, perhaps, the Board would like to
begin cutting back on funding to outside agencies with a 20%
reduction per year.
Consensus: After discussion of the need to thoroughly review
funding requests for outside agencies, it was the consensus of the
Board to schedule a Work Session on March 9, 1992, for this
purpose.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Commissioner sutton MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Retchin to convene from Regular Session to Executive Session for
discussion of a personnel matter. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
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Chairman Mathews convened to Executive Session at 8:40 P.M.
Motion: Commissioner Sutton MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Retchin to reconvene to Regular Session. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Mathews reconvened to Regular Session at 8:45 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Sutton to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Mathews expressed appreciation to Staff for excellent
presentations and adjourned the meeting at 8:47 P.M.
~e ctfully S~b itted,
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Lu' F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board'
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